September 29, 2010

Sweet criticism

Everyone should have a boss like the guy in charge of Dez Bryant. The rookie from Oklahoma State played in only three games in college last year because of a suspension. Then he missed a month of training camp with a high ankle sprain.

In his first three games, he has caught 14 passes for 158 yards, which is pretty good for a guy who doesn't know the offense and has trouble running routes. That's according to offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, who is probably the most positive critical guy you've ever listened to.

“He’s got a lot of steps to take,” Garrett said of Bryant. “He's transitioned awfully well. For a guy who missed as much training camp as he did, and who missed he entire preseason, to be able to come in and perform as well as he has over the course of the first three weeks has been very impressive.

“But when he watches the tape, he sees the things as well. He has to refine his route-running and his understanding of the offense, those kinds of things. But he's someone who is not bothered by game situations. He embraces them. He loves to play. He has great enthusiasm and he can make plays. We've tried to do that and he's really stepped up and responded.”